Justice Nagmohan Das's Landmark Interim Proposal on SC Internal Reservation

Justice Nagmohan Das has submitted an interim report on internal reservations for Scheduled Castes in Karnataka to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The report addresses demands for fair distribution of benefits among SC sub-castes and urges a data-driven approach for equitable social justice. The government's response will shape future actions.

The Justice H N Nagmohan Das Commission submitted an interim report to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing internal reservation among Scheduled Castes (SCs). The report responds to demands from SC sub-castes, particularly 'SC Left', for fair distribution of reservation benefits that they claim are predominantly seized by influential sub-castes.

Appointed in November last year, retired High Court judge Justice Nagmohan Das led the commission following the Supreme Court's verdict allowing states to make sub-classifications within SCs. This initiative comes with the state's aim to evenly distribute the 17% reservation allocated to 101 scheduled castes. The commission utilized 2011 Census data alongside other sources to form empirical recommendations.

Justice Das stated that the interim report, comprising 104 pages, reflects an intensive study lasting over two months. While the government has not specifically requested it, the initiative affirms the commission's intent to provide a robust foundation for internal reservations. The state's ensuing actions will be determined upon reviewing the report, and further steps will be decided accordingly.

(With inputs from agencies.)